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We’re past the first quarter of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, mistakes, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the present year, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between the wideout and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are tied for the top mark in their league. Why the long faces?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you wanted to. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|